Russian Crystal

Fine Russian crystal belongs to that noble category of applied art which includes fine porcelain, quality metalwork, fine painting and more. Production of blown glass vessels, window glass and glass jewelry was mastered in the 11-13th centuries at Kiev. Moscow recorded her first glassworks around 1639, after which the center for Russian glassmaking shifted to St. Petersburg in the second decade of the 18th century. Prince A.D. Menshikov owned two fine glasshouses as early as 1717. To keep up with fashions of the time, a new specialist craft was developed to produce portraits, emblems and monograms on crystal glass. Cutting houses sparked master engravers to go outside the ordinary to produce heraldic eagles, architectural landscapes, detailed portraits and allegorical compositions. Production was defined by the requests of the Imperial court. By 1800 there were over fifty glasshouses in Russia but most produced plain and simple objects for everyday use.

To display glass tastefully, a well-lit cabinet is preferable. Glass should always be kept in pristine condition, washed, and rubbed very dry until it sparkles. Don't store liquid in crystal for a long time, as it can create a difficult-to-remove ring. All crystal below is over 24% leaded crystal and made in Russia in the early 1990s.

Scroll down to see the full selection. Most items one-of-a-kind.


Click for a closer view.
Drinking Horn-of-Plenty
Fill her up, then drink until empty! Simply gorgeous glassmaking.
Ribbons of faceted circles and grape leaf patterns. Light cobalt blue glass. Almost 15" long.
Extremely minor nick at tip, barely noticeable. No chips otherwise. A beautiful piece of Russian glassmaking. Regular $495. Sale $395.
[#CR-HRN2.] 1 only.
Closeup | Closeup | Another view |


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Capercailzie Horn of Plenty.
Etched capercailzie (or capercaillie), or wood grouse, aka "horse of the woods".
Anniversary or wedding glass. Horn of plenty attached to a glass base.
Deep cut diamond pattern on back. Back View
Cobalt blue glass. 10.5" tall.
Regular $350. Sale $225.
[#CR-HRN8.] 1 only.



Click on the image for a closeup view.
Brandy Snifter.
Drink your favorite brandy in elegant style with an oversized and heavyweight
colorless clear crystal snifter. Decorated with an engraved grape and leaf motif.
About 6" tall and 1.5 pounds.
Regular $150. Sale $99.
[#CR-BRSN2.] 1 only.


How to Order
HOME PAGE of the Russian Shop
The Russian Shop / Maison Russe
1720 Ogden Ave
Lisle IL 60532
1-800-778-9404